BonnerSprings.com

Physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight is an oath spoken by every Boy Scout in America.

And as the organization celebrates their 100th anniversary this year, the oath acts a symbol of a steadfast message that has been present since the organizations beginning.

“It’s designed to make better men,” said Bob Nolan committee chairman of the Bonner Springs Boy Scouts. “It’s about gaining confidence, not turning them into manly men.”

The Boy Scouts of America was founded Feb. 8, 1910 after William D. Boyce had a positive experience with a Boy Scout while visiting London, which is where Scouting began.

According to Boy Scout legend, Boyce was lost in a dense fog and a boy approached him asking if Boyce needed help. He told the boy he was looking for a business and the boy offered to show him the way. When they arrived at the destination, Boyce reached in his pocket book to offer a tip, but the boy refused, telling Boyce that he was a Scout and wouldn’t be paid for helping.

That single act of kindness led to the inception of a similar program in America that retired Bonner Springs Scoutmaster Bruce Coleman said is a combination of leadership and character training.

As the Boy Scouts of America prepares for a year of celebration for its 100th milestone, Bonner Springs Boy Scouts are taking time for a history lesson and to celebrate its own milestone.

The Bonner Springs Boy Scouts was formed in 1959 and chartered in 1960. This year’s 50th anniversary, in conjunction with the national 100th anniversary has the local troop swelling with pride.

See Thursday's Chieftain for more on this subject.

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